Yong quan Point

Chinese name: Yong Quan

English name: Bubbling well or Gushing spring.

Acupuncture: KI 1(Kidney 1 point)

The Yong Quan point is a meridian point located on the sole of the foot, just behind the ball of the foot. The point is used in acupuncture and acupressure to treat a number of problems. In acupuncture it is 1 of 27 points of the kidney meridian that runs from the Yong Quan point to the Shu Fu (Kidney 27 point) near the clavicle or collar bone. Massaging this point can help people who suffer from headaches, tinnitus, hypertension, epilepsy, insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, chronic sore throat, dry mouth, low back pain, night sweats.

In Tai Chi and Qi Gong we imagine sinking the “Qi” (Energy) to the Yong Quan points. By imaging this it serves to focus the mind on the point where the balance naturally falls. At the same time the practitioner relaxes the whole body so that the weight sinks to the bottom of the foot.

Imagine the root sinking below the ground, firmly connecting to the earth. We get the feeling of borrowing the strength of the earth by doing this.

When practicing the Qi Gong exercises and the Tai Chi form the student seeks to pay careful attention to “feeling” the ground, ensuring that all of the weight is sunk ground ward. This enables us to use the waist freely and flexibly, while allowing the upper body to be light and comfortable.